Midweek Meditation: Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Dear Calvary family,
How is your soul today? Have you made time for prayer? Paused to listen? God knows all that you need and all that you have to say. But prayer is a relationship. That’s what God wants. Still struggling to hear Him? Read Scripture. Not to learn about God, but to be transformed.
Have you considered taking another step in your faith? How about being a disciple of Jesus? Too much? Not sure? Maybe at this time we can just let that thought be our prayer.
This Sunday we will listen to what Paul writes in Romans about worship. What is worship? How do you worship? How do you know what is not worship? In Hebrews, we read, “Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers.” I have to admit that I need to work on the “keep loving” part and “show hospitality to strangers” part.
So praise God that we will have, if He is willing, another Sunday… to worship and show hospitality to strangers. Maybe we’ll even learn how to walk on the gymnastic balance beam. 😊
Work in progress,
Pastor Jolita
Here’s what’s happening in the life of our Church and how you can get involved:
APRIL GIVING: THE LEBANON INDIANA UNITED METHODIST CHILDREN’S HOME
Our giving for April is very meaningful and we’d like to share a very special testimony from a couple of our members, Lois and Daryl Hoffman, who have devoted much of their time there:
“Serving at the Lebanon United Methodist Children’s Home has been one of the most meaningful parts of our lives. This is a place where children who have faced abuse, neglect, and deep trauma are given something many have never known before: safety, care, and the chance to heal. While many arrive behind in school and unsure of their future, we have seen firsthand how the Home surrounds them with support and steady encouragement.
Our journey began with a simple desire to help students believe in what comes next. Through our scholarship program, we’ve been honored to support graduates as they pursue college, vocational training, or certification programs. Watching former residents walk across graduation stages, cheering with pride, reminds us why this work matters. One student recently went on to graduate from the IU School of Nursing and now serves her community as a nurse at Community Hospital.
Sharing our love of pottery has given us another way to connect. During summer classes in the Home’s ceramic studio, we work alongside students as they shape clay into something lasting. In those moments, we see creativity, trust, and genuine care grow. This mission is not just about giving. It’s about relationships, hope restored, and the quiet joy of walking with young people as they discover their worth and their future.
We thank Calvary for your generous donations over the years to support the Home.”
CURRENT SERMON SERIES
We have started our six-week series on “Discipleship” called “Follow Me”. During this time, we will also celebrate our youth’s commitment to following Jesus during Confirmation Sunday. The series will take us up to Pentecost.
MINISTRY UPDATE AND Q&A SESSION
Join us this Sunday, April 26, 11:00am in Fellowship Hall. Bring your coffee and donut!
JOIN THE COLUMBARIUM COMMITTEE
Are you interested in learning more about the Columbarium and Memorial Gardens that are developing so beautifully outside the windows at church? A great way to learn more is to be a part of the committee! The committee meets only every other month at 4:00pm here at church to discuss items that come up. If you’d like to find out more, contact Tom Hanna at skhtgh@tds.net today.
KEEP OUR FLORA BEAUTIFUL
Spring has sprung and we are in need of volunteers to care for our lovely outdoor flowers and plants on a regular basis. They need attention every other day. If you are able to give any amount of time to this ministry, please contact Brenda Caron for specifics. Call the church office for her contact information.
GARDEN OF EATIN’
In addition to the beautiful plants along the church, we have several vegetable garden beds behind the playground that would also love some of your attention during the next few months. If you’d like to lend a hand from time to time on that, we’d love to include you. Email office@calvaryunited.org or call 317-852-2541 and let us know!
CLASSICS LUNCHEON – “RUN FOR THE ROSES”
Tuesday, April 28 at noon, we’ll meet in Fellowship Hall for the celebration of Kentucky Derby Day! Wear your hats and join us for hot browns, BBQ and mint julep mocktails! Let the church office know you’re coming or sign up at the Mission table.
FIRST MONDAY OF THE MONTH PRAYER TIME
Bring what’s on your heart and come for morning prayer in the sanctuary! See you Monday, May 4, 6:30am.
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER
Hope Healthcare Services is sponsoring the annual National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 7. Meet them at IU West Hospital Dining Area in Avon. Breakfast will be offered from 7:00-7:30am with the prayer program from 7:30-8:15am.
COMMUNITY LUNCH – BURGERS AND HOTDOGS
On the second Saturday of each month, we host our Community Lunch and we need you to be here for it! Our next one is Saturday, May 9, from 11:00am until 1:00pm. We will have hamburgers and hotdogs for members of the community who have been invited at the Blessing Boxes around town and through our local food pantries. We would love to have you volunteer by donating, helping, and/or socializing! Sign up at the Mission Table in the hallway at church. If you have any questions, please contact the church office.
MEN’S BREAKFAST
Our next men’s group breakfast will be held in Fellowship Hall on Saturday, May 16, at 9am! Join them for good food, delicious coffee, and lively conversation!
LEGOS! LEGOS! LEGOS!
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS FOR LEGO CAMP!
In order for LEGO Camp to be a success, we need LOTS of volunteers! Those interested must be high school age or older. We are specifically needing several interested in leading a group. Please prayerfully consider helping in this way! If you are willing to lead a group, there will be teacher training on Saturday, June 20, 10am-11:30am or Sunday, June 28, 11:15am-12:45pm. A recent background check will be required for those 18 and older. Sign-up sheets are available at the Mission Table or contact the office. Volunteer registration deadline is June 15, 2026. Let’s make this the best LEGO Camp yet!
LEGO CAMP PREP SESSION
There are lots of crafts and decorations to prep ahead of Camp so we are having a LEGO Camp prep session on Sunday, May 17, from 11:15am-1:00pm. Please join us in the Youth Room. Many hands will make the work light!
REGISTER KIDS FOR LEGO CAMP
Registration for LEGO Camp 2026 has begun! Tell you neighbors, family members, and friends who have 4-11 year-old students to join us July 20-22. Share the Sign-up here: https://calvaryunited.org/summer-camp/!
A TEA PARTY
Avon UMC Women’s Council is having a tea party on Saturday, May 2nd, 1:00-3:00pm in their Fellowship Hall. Bring your favorite teacup and enjoy refreshments and a guest speaker. Tickets are $5.00 available through Sunday, April 26th. Text Anne Inman, 317-504-9268, if you are interested in a ticket.
UPDATED DIRECTORY
If you would like an updated directory, stop by the office.
WORSHIP:
-Sunday, April 26, 10:00am (Contemporary) Sermon Series: Follow Me
“Disciple through Worship and Hospitality” Romans 12:1-2, Hebrews 13:1-2 Rev. Jolita Erbele
-Sunday, May 3, 10:00am (Traditional) Confirmation Sunday Sermon Series: Follow Me
“Openness and Obedience of Disciples” Galatians 5:25, James 1:22 Rev. Michelle Knight
SAVE THE DATE:
-Ministry Update and Q&A Session – Sunday, April 26, at 11:00am in Fellowship Hall
-Classics Luncheon – Tuesday, April 28, Noon until 2:00pm in Fellowship Hall
-Confirmation Sunday – Sunday, May 3
-First Monday of the Month Prayer Time – Monday, May 4, 6:30am in the Sanctuary
-National Day of Prayer – Thursday, May 7
-Community Lunch – Saturday, May 9, 11:00am-1:00pm in Fellowship Hall
-Men’s Breakfast – Saturday, May 16, 9:00am in Fellowship Hall
-Euchre – Saturday, May 16, 6:00-8:00pm in Fellowship Hall
-Graduation Celebration – Sunday, May 17, following the service in Fellowship Hall
-Lego Camp Prep – Sunday, May 17, 11:15am-1:00pm, Youth Room
-Office closed for Memorial Day – Monday, May 25